Alaska is looking to join the growing number of states considering medical debt legislation with a recent bill, Alaska HB 178. The bill would prohibit health care providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) or for that debt to be taken into account when calculating credit scores.
According to the summary of Alaska HB 178, it “aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on medical debt in employment and housing contexts.” In addition to prohibiting reporting medical debt to CRAs, it also cannot be used to calculate credit scores, and landlords and employers would be prohibited from asking about medical debt and/or using it as a qualifying factor in their decision.
Alaska HB 178, which was introduced in early April, was referred to the House Finance Committee on May 9th. If the bill passes it would take effect immediately. The Alaska legislature is set to adjourn on May 21. Americollect will continue to monitor Alaska HB 178 as it moves through the Alaska House and Senate.
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